President Bola Tinubu has pulled the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, out of the Treasury Single Account, TSA, effectively paving way for the Nyesom Wike-led FCTA to utilize the territory’s Internally Generated Revenue IGR for the development of the nation’s capital.
At a news conference Friday in Abuja, Wike also disclosed that the President has approved the creation of the FCT Civil Service Commission to allow for staff career progression
By Ismail Abdulaziz
Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of 14 new Chief Executive Officers of several agencies and parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
This is contained in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Friday in Abuja.
He said that the appointments were in line with Tinubu’s resolve to base Nigeria’s economic revival on the foundation of trade expansion through small, medium and large scale industry facilitation in the country.
The new chiefs executives are:
1. Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) — Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN,
2. Industrial Training Fund (ITF) — Afiz Oluwatoyin,
3. National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) — Kamar Bakrin
4. Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA) — Olufemi Ogunyemi
5. Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) — Nonye Ayeni
6. Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) — Aisha Rimi
7. Oil & Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA) — Bamanga Jada
8. Small & Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) — Charles Odii
9. Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) — Ifeanyi Okeke
10. Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) — Rabiu Olowo
11. Nigeria Commodities Exchange (NCE) — Anthony Atuche, CFA
12. Lagos International Trade Fair Complex (LITFCMB) — Veronica Ndanusa
13. Tafawa Balewa Square Management Board (TBSMB) — Lucia Shittu
14. National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) — Oluwemimo Osanipin
Ngelale said that the president expects all new appointees to deliver in accordance with new key performance indicating benchmarks as established by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
He said that by this directive of the President, all of the appointments was with immediate effect.(NAN)/ Flowerbudnews
![SPORTBREAKING: 2023 AFCON draw out [Full list]](https://flowerbudnews.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2023-AFCON-1024x576-1.jpg)
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, draw has been conducted
The draw was conducted at the brand-new Parc des Expositions, Abidjan, on Thursday.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are placed in Group A alongside the host nation Ivory Coast.
The AFCON defending champions Senegal are in Group C alongside Cameroon, Guinea and The Gambia.
The tournament will take place in January, 2024.
Here is the full draw:
Group A
Ivory Coast
Nigeria
Equatorial Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Group B
Egypt
Ghana
Cape Verde
Mozambique
Group C
Senegal
Cameroon
Guinea
Gambia
Group D
Algeria
Burkina Faso
Mauritania
Angola
Group E
Tunisia
Mali
South Africa
Namibia
Group F
Morocco
DR Congo
Zambia
Tanzania
The Central Bank of Nigeria has finally lifted the foreign exchange restrictions it placed on importers of 43 items eight years ago,
In a statement signed by CBN’s Director of Corporate Communications, Dr. Isa AbdulMumin, the bank said this is a significant change to the foreign exchange market policy.
According to the central bank, this action will boost liquidity in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market and intervene from time to time, stating that interventions will decrease as liquidity improves.
In a circular in June 2015, the CBN published a list of imported goods and services that will not be eligible for foreign exchange in the Nigerian foreign currency market. The list which was originally 41 was updated to include two more items.
Below is the list of the items:
Rice
Cement
Margarine
Palm kernel
Palm oil products
Vegetable oils
Meat and processed meat products
Vegetables and processed vegetable products
Poultry and processed poultry products
Tinned fish in sauce (Geisha)/sardine
Cold rolled steel sheets
Galvanized steel sheets
Roofing sheets
Wheelbarrows
Head pans
Metal boxes and containers
Enamelware
Steel drums
Steel pipes
Wire rods (deformed and not deformed)
Iron rods
Reinforcing bars
Wire mesh
Steel nails
Security and razor fencing and poles
Wood particle boards and panels
Wood fiberboards and panels
Plywood boards and panels
Wooden doors
Toothpicks
Glass and glassware
Kitchen utensils
Tableware
Tiles-vitrified and ceramic
Gas cylinders
Woven fabrics
Clothes
Plastic and rubber products
Polypropylene granules
Cellophane wrappers and bags
Soap and cosmetics
Tomatoes/tomato pastes
Eurobond/foreign currency bond/ share purchases
By Biola Lawal
Abuja (Flowerbudnews)Collaboration between NAFDAC and National Health Insurance Authority
NAFDAC as a critical stakeholder in the health sector, is mandated to regulate and control the importation, exportation, manufacture, advertisement, distribution, sale, and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water, detergents and chemicals. (Regulated products)
NAFDAC has collaborated and continues to collaborate with NHIA to ensure a sustainable access to affordable and acceptable quality medicines for our citizens.
The Executive Order 3 (EO3) on support for local content in public procurement by the Federal government requires that All MDAs shall grant preference to local manufacturers of goods and service providers in their procurement of goods and services.
It was based on this collaboration with NAFDAC and in line with Executive Order 3 (EO3), that NHIA worked with Local Pharmaceutical Manufacturers whose manufacturing facilities have been approved by NAFDAC as meeting Good Manufacturing practice (GMP) requirements for the procurement of needed medicines.
These manufacturing companies have also had their products registered by NAFDAC. This means that all the attributes of quality, safety and efficacy pertaining to these products have been duly assured by NAFDAC.
The Federal Government has just launched the operational guidelines for the 2022 National Health Insurance Authority Act as part of efforts to ensure all Nigerians have access to affordable healthcare services.
The operational guidelines are crucial to clarifying the roles, responsibilities, and obligations of various stakeholders in the health sector because access to affordable quality health care for all Nigerians is key on the path to achieving Universal Health Coverage.
NAFDAC carries out this mandate by ensuring appropriate documentation of product attributes (Dossier Assessment), conducting inspections of manufacturing facilities to ensure they comply with good manufacturing practice (GMP) requirements, laboratory evaluation of products to ensure compliance with quality attributes, granting marketing authorization, conducting post marketing surveillance to monitor products on the market for continued compliance with quality and safety requirements among others.
NAFDAC has in the past five years developed a GMP Roadmap which continuously assures that pharmaceutical manufacturers in Nigeria remain compliant with global best practices.
The GMP roadmap was designed to guide and help local manufacturers upgrade their facilities and procedures in line with current good manufacturing practice requirements.
This initiative has enabled the Agency establish a baseline for monitoring compliance.
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pharmaceutical Companies and Drugs Management Organisations (DMOs) for production of 33 different drugs to address the perennial problem of out-of-stock syndrome in the nations health facilities.
Under the initiative, 12 Pharmaceutical companies will be branding 33 products for the health insurance ecosystem in the first phase.
Already, NHIA has chosen seven states (Delta, Enugu, Gombe, Jigawa, Niger, Osun and Sokoto states) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the pilot phase of this initiative.
The initiative is also geared towards strengthening Local Pharmaceutical manufacturers, which will ultimately guarantee medicines security.
This drive to guarantee medicines security has been a deliberate and intentional effort by NAFDAC in the past five years and continues to be on the front burner to ensure that pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities are fit for purpose.
This will help to reduce the proliferation of substandard and falsified medical products
The categories of drugs involved will start from simple to complex, which will be used to address prevailing health conditions in Nigeria, such as malaria, upper respiratory tract infections, childhood illnesses and drugs being used by pregnant women.
As mentioned earlier, every drug to be manufactured will be certified and approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)- in terms of quality, safety and efficacy.
The medicines will be tested in the WHO-Prequalified NAFDAC Laboratory. Also, as part of its Post Marketing Surveillance activities, NAFDAC will continue monitoring to ensure that these branded medicines are used exclusively in the nations health care facilities. They are not to be found on the shelves for sale.
The branding of NHIA medicines and other health products was introduced as a way to help eradicate out-of-stock syndrome, as well as ensure quality of its medicines. The 33 drugs would be branded with NHIA inscription under the National Health Insurance Authority.
NAFDAC, through the Directorate of Registration and Regulatory Affairs will also ensure that appropriate and adequate labelling of the medicines are met in line with the Agencys labelling requirements and in accordance with NHIA guidelines
NAFDAC will continue to collaborate with NHIA to ensure that the terms spelt out in Executive Order 3(EO3) will be implemented to enable the attainment of Universal Health Coverage as specified in the National Drug Policy. (Flowerbudnews)
Thank You
Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye Ph.D, FAS
Director General
A petrol-laden tanker has exploded in the Sari Iganmu area of Lagos State.
It was gathered that the incident happened on Thursday evening.
The cause of the explosion is however yet unknown.
Meanwhile, officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services are currently combating the fire.
The spokesperson for the agency, Shakiru Amodu, in a terse statement sent to our correspondent, said, “Tanker fire is being combatted at the Lagos Quadrapoint Bridge, by National Arts Theater, Iganmu as Sari Iganmu and Ilupeju Fire Crews combine efforts to tame the raging fire.”
Details later
By Flowerbudnews
Enugu: Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has called for strict penalties for motorists flouting road regulations and rules to stem the current spate of road crashes in the country.
Mbah made the call on Thursday in Enugu while flagging-off the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) 2023 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign in Enugu State.
The theme of the four months campaign is “Excessive Speeding Thrills But Kills: Drive Responsibly and Avoid Overloading”.
The governor, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Transport, Mr Obi Ozor, also tasked FRSC to ensure that there are consequences for irresponsible behaviour on the nation’s roads.
According to him, as we embark on this awareness campaign, let us internalise the message of safety. Together, we can create a safer road environment for everyone.
Mbah advised all road users to be disciplined and responsible on the road even as there is usually increased volume of traffic during the ember months particularly towards the end of the year.
“The safety of roads is not just a government responsibility; it is a collective duty that each one of us must embrace.
“It starts with the public understanding the importance of following traffic rules, respecting fellow road users, and avoiding reckless behaviours, such as speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving etc.
“Again, the FRSC has a huge responsibility to touch and alert the public about these critical issues, in addition to statutory enforcement,” the governor said.
Speaking, the FRSC Sector Commander in Enugu State, Corps Commander Adeyemi Sokunbi, noted that speeding and rush on the road are a temptation motorists must resist this season.
Sokunbi noted that speeding and rush to enter the road by all road users increases the likelihood of accidents, injuries and even loss of life.
“Let us remember that our loved ones eagerly wait for our safe return home, and it is our responsibility to ensure their dreams are not shattered by our reckless choices,” he said.
The corps commander cautioned against overloading vehicles, adding that it remained another critical issue to be addressed by motorists especially commercial vehicle drivers.
“Overloading not only compromises the safety of the driver and passengers but also poses a significant risk to other road users.
“We must remember that following the rules and regulations regarding proper weight distribution ensures a safer journey for everyone,” he noted.
Sokunki commended the FRSC Corps Marshal, Mr Dauda Biu, for making the Ember Months Campaign flag-off a reality and other numerous support to the command.
Highlights of the event included: a group photograph and goodwill messages from the Nigeria Police, Immigration, Nigerian Air Force, NSCDC, NURTW, fleet operators, Enugu State Fire Service and other road stakeholders within Enugu State. (Flowerbudnews)
By Biola Lawal
Abuja (Flowerbudnews): In its bid to add impetus to ongoing air operations, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) earlier today, 11 October 2023, received 2 additional Diamond-62 (DA-62) aircraft at a brief but colourful ceremony held in Ilorin, Kwara State.
In his remarks during the ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, noted that the process that culminated into the reception of the 2 additional aircraft began about 2 years ago when the Federal Government (FG) appropriated funds for the acquisition of 4 Diamond-62 aircraft for the NAF.
A statement by Air Cdre Edward Gabkwet
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force, disclosed.
According to him, out of the 4 aircraft, the first 2 aircraft were delivered between February and July 2023, while the remaining 2 were being received today. Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar noted that the 2 DA-62 aircraft received earlier in the year have since been deployed to the operating theatres in support of the ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in troubled areas within the country. While urging the air and ground crew that would handle the aircraft to eschew discipline and professionalism, Air Marshal Abubakar admonished them to also ensure the proper maintenance and operation of the aircraft in line with recommended best practices by the Original Equipment Manufacturer. He also implored them to leverage the capabilities available on the aircraft to enhance NAF’s operational efficiency.
In paying glowing tribute to the FG for its commitment to revamping the fortunes of the NAF and other Services, Air Marshal Abubakar also noted that the receipt of the 2 additional DA-62 aircraft confirms the sincerity and commitment of the Government towards ensuring peace returns to hitherto troubled spots. He went on to add that the NAF will in no distant time take delivery of additional platforms that include the M346FA aircraft, AW109 Trekker light attack helicopter, AH-1Z Super Cobra, T-129 ATAK helicopters and the King Air 360i Beechcraft aircraft.
In his remarks at the occasion, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrazak Abdulrahman, commended the NAF for its efforts, alongside other security agencies towards ridding the nation of its numerous security challenges. He also expressed his appreciation for the CAS for making Ilorin the homebase of the DA-62, which is indicative of the peaceful and conducive nature of the State. He then assured the CAS of his administration’s unwavering support to the NAF and other security agencies in their onerous tasks of safeguarding lives and properties.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshal Tajudeen Yusuf, noted that the acquisition of the DA-62 aircraft stems from its ability to carry out robust missions in furtherance of combat operations. He then added that domiciling the DA-62 under 303 Medium Airlift Group in Ilorin will no doubt go a long way in breathing live into the unit while enhancing its operational activities. (Flowerbudnews)
Makinde Condemns Road Blocks On Highways, urges improved patrol
By Adewale Owoade
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says mounting road blocks on highways by the Police, will create apprehension in the minds of prospective investors willing to do business in the state.
The governor said this while hosting the newly deployed Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Zone 11, Paul Odama who paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.
Makinde however said that regular patrol on the expressway, encouraging the officers and men that are on patrol, will bring more peace to the area.
He also commended CP Hamzat Adebola Oyo State Police Command, for his effort in bringing peace to the state and also the synergy among other sister security agencies in the state.
“Democracy has come to stay in our country and it gladdens my heart that the police is also contributing its own quota to stabilise democracy in this country.
“I will encourage you to keep pushing in that direction, the officers and men of Nigerian police.
“The issue of having road blocks, I think we can do better in this age and time, I want you to please look into that and let’s see what we can do together to encourage investment.
“Encourage the people also, the officers and men that are on patrol, if we can achieve the same thing that we have achieved in Oyo state without road blocks and unnecessary show of agitation, I think there will be more peace,” Makinde said.
Earlier, Odama appreciated Gov Makinde for various support that his administration is providing for the police in the state , which included vehicles and security gadget for all the police divisions in the state.
He also solicited extended support to the zone 11.
“Haven been hearing how you’ve been assisting the police force. The governor of Oyo state is buying vehicles for all the divisions in Oyo State, more than 70, I want to thank you Sir.
“Like Oliver Twist, we want to ask for more and I know you are going to assit us, and continuously assist us.
“The Zone in Osogbo is also under your command, Zone 11 is made up of 60 per cent Oyo State and 40 per cent Osun State , because of the population in Oyo state.
“I’m requesting that as you’ve given out vehicles to the divisions in the Oyo state, you should not forget the zone, even two vehicles will be enough for us,” he said.
Gov Makinde later led the AIG and his team on inspection of new vehicles bought and ready to be deployed to all the security agencies in the state, to beef up the state security network, with a promise to give two vehicles to zone 11. (NAN)